Tanzanian influencer Mr Poul Brand has recounted how he was turned away from the lavish wedding of President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, and her husband, Isaya Yunge, in Mwanza, Tanzania.
Speaking in a TikTok video on Tuesday, November 11, 2026, the content creator said he had attempted to gain entry into the high-profile ceremony but was stopped by security personnel who questioned his connection to the couple before asking him to leave.
Poul said he arrived at the venue expecting to be part of the celebrations but was surprised when those manning the entrance demanded to know who he was and why he wanted to enter.
He recalled introducing himself as Poul Maharusi, but said the name did not appear to mean anything to the people controlling access to the wedding.
“I remember arriving there at the entrance, and I was asked who I was, and I was told to leave that venue. Haha! I tried to explain myself that I am Poul Maharusi, but I was told they did not know me,” he narrated.
The influencer said the security personnel then sought to establish whether he had a personal relationship with either Charlene or Isaya, making it clear that being a public personality was not enough to secure entry.
According to Poul, he was asked whether he was related to the couple or had been invited as a friend, but he could not provide the kind of connection they were looking for.
He said he and other content creators also attempted to explain that they were influencers and digital content creators, hoping that their public profiles would help them gain access to the ceremony.
“I remember we also tried to explain that we are content creators and influencers, and they asked us if we thought this was an artiste’s event that we would arrive anyhow. They said it was only family and friends who were being allowed,” he said.
Poul appeared to suggest that the experience exposed the difference between being popular on social media and having the financial means to access exclusive spaces.
He used the incident to encourage his followers to work towards financial success, arguing that wealth could open doors that public recognition alone could not.
Rather than focusing solely on being denied entry, the influencer said the experience had left him reflecting on the importance of building wealth and attaining financial independence.
“But the lesson from all that is that we need to look for money. We need to be wealthy because if you have money, you can do anything,” he added.
Inside Charlene Ruto and Isaya Yunge’s lavish wedding
The white wedding followed their traditional Kalenjin engagement ceremony, known as Koito, which took place on August 8 at the Ruto family’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.
The Mwanza ceremony brought together prominent guests from Kenya and Tanzania, including political leaders, public figures and personalities from the entertainment industry.
The wedding venue featured an outdoor setting decorated with white flowers, a mirrored walkway leading to the altar and elaborate reception arrangements. Guests also received personalised gift boxes containing Kenyan honey and Tanzanian kangas.
Charlene’s sister, June Ruto, served as the lead bridesmaid, while the bridal party wore red gowns.